SASSA Grants Guide 2026-2027
Everything you need to know about South African social assistance grants, from eligibility to application and payment. All information is current for 2026-2027. Check your SASSA status online or read our latest blog articles for detailed guides.
Overview of SASSA Grants
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers various social grants to provide financial support to vulnerable citizens. Each grant has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and payment amounts. Learn more about the Department of Social Development and its role in social assistance.
Important: All SASSA services are completely free. Never pay anyone to help you apply for or check the status of your grant. Read our guide on avoiding SASSA scams.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant - R370
What is the SRD Grant?
The SRD grant, commonly known as the R370 grant, provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed South Africans who are in distress and do not receive any other form of social assistance or income support. Read our comprehensive SRD grant guide for 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered with the Department of Home Affairs
- Must be between 18 and 60 years old
- Must be unemployed and not receiving any income
- Must not be receiving any other social grant
- Must not be receiving a UIF payment
- Must not be a registered student receiving NSFAS funding
- Must not be detained in a state institution
Application Process
Visit the SRD Portal
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za on your phone or computer browser.
Click Apply
Select the application option and agree to the terms and conditions.
Enter Your Information
Provide your ID number, cellphone number, and banking details for payment.
Wait for Verification
SASSA will verify your information against various databases. This can take several weeks.
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R370 per month
Payment Method: Direct bank deposit or collection from approved payment points - view all payment methods
Payment Frequency: Monthly, following approval for each cycle - check 2026 payment dates
Remember: You must reapply every month to continue receiving the SRD grant. Each month is treated as a new application cycle. Learn more in our reapplication guide. Check your status online anytime.
Old Age Pension Grant
What is the Old Age Pension?
The Old Age Pension provides monthly financial assistance to elderly South Africans who meet the age and income requirements. This grant helps senior citizens maintain a basic standard of living. Read our detailed older persons grant guide.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 60 years or older for women, 60 years or older for men
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must reside in South Africa at the time of application
- Income must not exceed R95,400 per year for single persons
- Combined income with spouse must not exceed R190,800 per year for married persons
- Assets must not exceed R1,372,800 for single persons or R2,745,600 for married couples
Required Documents
- South African ID document or valid temporary ID certificate
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of marital status (if applicable)
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Proof of all income sources
See our complete guide on required documents for SASSA grants.
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R2,190 per month (2026-2027 rate)
Payment Method: Bank account, SASSA card, or cash at pay point
Payment Dates: First week of each month
Child Support Grant
What is the Child Support Grant?
The Child Support Grant provides financial assistance to the primary caregiver of children from low-income households. The grant aims to support the nutritional and basic needs of children. Learn more in our child support grant guide.
Eligibility Requirements
- The child must be under 18 years of age
- The caregiver must be the primary caregiver of the child
- Both the child and caregiver must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- The caregiver's income must be below the threshold (R5,500 per month for single caregivers, R11,000 for married caregivers)
- The child must not be cared for in a state institution
- The child must live in South Africa
Required Documents
- ID documents of the applicant and child (or birth certificate for the child)
- Proof of income (payslips, UIF documents, or sworn affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of residence
- Immunization card or clinic card for the child
- If not the biological parent: proof of legal guardianship or consent from the parent
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R540 per child per month (2026-2027 rate)
Payment Method: Bank account or SASSA card
Maximum: Can receive for up to 6 non-biological children
Disability Grant
What is the Disability Grant?
The Disability Grant provides financial support to people who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Read our comprehensive disability grant guide and application information.
The Disability Grant provides financial support to individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. The grant helps disabled persons meet their basic living expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be between 18 and 59 years of age
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Must have a medical assessment confirming the disability
- The disability must prevent the person from working and earning income
- Income must not exceed R95,400 per year for single persons
- Combined income with spouse must not exceed R190,800 per year
- Assets must be below the specified thresholds
Required Documents
- South African ID document
- Medical assessment forms completed by a medical doctor (provided by SASSA)
- Proof of income (if any)
- Proof of residence
- Bank account details
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R2,190 per month (2026-2027 rate)
Grant Duration: Temporary disability (reviewed after 12 months) or permanent (reviewed every 5 years)
Payment Method: Bank account, SASSA card, or cash at pay point
Foster Child Grant
What is the Foster Child Grant?
The Foster Child Grant provides financial assistance to foster parents who have a valid court order placing a child in their care. This grant helps cover the costs of caring for foster children.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a valid court order placing the child in foster care
- The child must be under 18 years of age
- The foster parent must be appointed by a court order
- Both the foster parent and child must be South African citizens or residents
- The child must not be cared for in a state institution
Required Documents
- Court order placing the child in foster care
- ID documents of the foster parent and child
- Proof of residence
- Birth certificate of the child
- Bank account details
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R1,190 per child per month (2026-2027 rate)
Review Period: Court order must be renewed every 2 years
Payment Method: Bank account or SASSA card
Care Dependency Grant
What is the Care Dependency Grant?
The Care Dependency Grant provides financial assistance to parents or primary caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require permanent home care. The grant recognizes the additional costs and challenges of caring for a child with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
- The child must be between 1 and 18 years of age
- The child must require permanent home care due to severe physical or mental disability
- The child must not be cared for in a state institution
- The child cannot be receiving a Foster Child Grant
- Medical assessment must confirm the care dependency
- Income thresholds apply to the caregiver
Required Documents
- ID documents of the applicant and child
- Birth certificate of the child
- Medical assessment forms (provided by SASSA, to be completed by doctor)
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Bank account details
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R2,190 per month (2026-2027 rate)
Review Period: Reassessed based on medical recommendation
Payment Method: Bank account or SASSA card
War Veterans Grant
What is the War Veterans Grant?
The War Veterans Grant provides financial assistance to military veterans who served in specific wars and conflicts. This grant recognizes the service and sacrifices of war veterans.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 60 years or older, or disabled due to war-related injuries
- Must have fought in specific recognized conflicts (World War II, Korean War, or liberation struggle)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Income and asset thresholds apply
- Must provide proof of military service
Required Documents
- South African ID document
- Military service records or discharge papers
- Medical reports (if claiming disability)
- Proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Bank account details
Payment Information
Grant Amount: R2,190 per month (2026-2027 rate)
Payment Method: Bank account or SASSA card
How to Apply for SASSA Grants
Most SASSA grants (except SRD) require in-person application at your nearest SASSA office.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents for the specific grant you're applying for. Make copies and bring originals.
Visit Your Local SASSA Office
Go to the SASSA office nearest to your residence. Arrive early as offices can be busy.
Complete Application Forms
Fill out the application forms with assistance from SASSA staff if needed. Provide all required documentation.
Attend Medical Assessment (if required)
For disability and care dependency grants, you'll need to undergo a medical assessment by a SASSA-approved doctor.
Wait for Processing
SASSA will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Processing times vary by grant type.
Processing Times: Grant applications typically take 3 months to process, though this can vary. You'll receive written notification of the decision.
Important Information
No Application Fees
All SASSA services are free. Never pay anyone to submit your application or help with documentation.
Report Changes
You must inform SASSA of any changes in your circumstances, including income, employment, or living arrangements.
Keep Records
Maintain copies of all documents submitted and any correspondence with SASSA for your records.
Grant Reviews
Many grants are reviewed periodically. Make sure to attend review appointments and provide updated documentation.